John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.